Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a 52-foot-long (16 meters) papyrus containing sections from the Book of the Dead. The more than 2,000-year-old document was found within a coffin in a tomb south of the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
There are many texts from The Book of the Dead, and analysis of the new finding may shed light on ancient Egyptian funerary traditions. Conservation work is already complete, and the papyrus is being translated into Arabic, according to a translated statement (opens in new tab) , which was released in conjunction with an event marking Egyptian Archaeologists Day on Jan. 14.
This is the first full papyrus to be uncovered at Saqqara in more than 100 years, Mostafa Waziry, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said, according to the statement.
Related: 10 times ancient Egyptian discoveries awed us in 2022
The Step Pyramid of Djoser was constructed during the reign of the pharaoh Djoser (ruled circa 2630 B.C. to 2611 B.C.) and was the first pyramid the Egyptians built. The area around the step pyramid was used for burials for millennia. Indeed, the coffin that housed the newfound papyrus dates to the Late Period (circa 712 B.C. to 332 B.C.), Zahi Hawass (opens in new tab) , Egypt’s former minister of Antiquities, told Live Science in an email. Information about who owned the papyrus and its precise date will be announced soon, Hawass said.
The Book of the Dead is a modern-day name given to a series of texts the Egyptians believed would help the dead navigate the underworld, among other purposes. They were widely used during the New Kingdom (circa 1550 B.C. to 1070 B.C.).
While 52 feet is lengthy, there are other examples of Book of the Dead papyri of that length or longer. “There are many manuscripts that would have been similar in length, but papyrus manuscripts of ancient Egyptian religious texts can vary quite dramatically in length,” Foy Scalf (opens in new tab) , the head of research archives at the University of Chicago, told Live Science in an email. Scalf, who was not involved in the latest discovery but holds a doctorate in Egyptology, noted that there are Book of the Dead scrolls that measure over 98 feet (30 m) long. Second papyrus
This appears to be the second papyrus containing texts from the Book of the Dead that has been found at Saqqara in the past year. In 2022, a 13-foot-long (4 m) fragmentary papyrus containing texts from the Book of the Dead was found at Saqqara in a burial shaft near the pyramid of the pharaoh Teti (reigned circa 2323 B.C. to 2291 B.C.). It had the name of its owner, a man named “Pwkhaef,” written on it. related stories—How old is ancient Egypt?
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Despite being buried near pharaoh Teti’s pyramid, Pwkhaef lived centuries after the ruler. The burial shafts where this papyrus was found date to the 18th and 19th dynasties of Egypt (1550 B.C. to 1186 B.C.). But the practice of being buried next to the pyramid of a former ruler was popular in Egypt at the time.
The discovery was made by a team of Egyptian archaeologists from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which has yet to release images of the ancient document. According to the statement, the papyrus will soon go on display in an Egyptian museum.
Another Cadillac EV has earned the iconic “V” badge. The 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V is a new entry-level sports electric vehicle (EV) with over 500 horsepower, sporty styling both inside and out, and additional upgrades. It’s also GM’s first vehicle with a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers.
Cadillac unveils 2026 Optiq-V EV prices and specs
Cadillac is back! The luxury brand is coming off its best quarter since 2008, but with a full lineup of electric vehicles rolling out, Cadillac expects to gain even more traction later this year.
After introducing the Lyriq-V earlier this year, we are now getting a look at Cadillac’s second EV to earn the brand’s performance trademark.
Cadillac revealed the 2026 Optiq-V on Monday, an upgraded, sportier version of the new entry-level electric SUV. The new V model boasts 519 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque in Velocity Max mode, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
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GM confirmed Cadillac’s new Optiq-V will be its first vehicle with a built-in NACS charging port, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The Optiq-V features a dual-motor AWD powertrain and 85 kWh battery pack, which Cadillac estimates will provide 275 miles range.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V (Source: GM)
Like Cadillac’s other performance vehicles, the new EV includes added features and tech, including V-Mode, which GM promises “takes performance customization further” with variant modes and settings.
When using V-Mode, a Launch Control feature is available, designed for straight-line takeoffs. You can also take advantage of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free ADAS system as standard.
The exterior is upgraded with a new front-end design, featuring a V-pattern mesh on the lower grille, a high-gloss black front splitter, and colored trim.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V interior (Source: GM)
For the carbon fiber fans out there, GM offers a package that adds a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear mid-spoiler. Other V-Series badges are added on the rear doors, liftgate, and driver’s side grillette.
The V model will be offered in two new limited-edition colors: Magnus Metal Frost, a matte metallic grey with warm highlights, and Deep Ocean Tintcoat.
A 33″ LED infotainment system sits at the center of the interior with Google built-in. You can choose from two palette options: Noir with Santorini Blue accents, and Noir and Sky Cool Gray with Santorini Blue accents.
2026 Cadillac Optiq-V interior (Source: GM)
If you really want to get fancy, there’s an optional palette featuring a Santorini Blue seatback panel and Santorini Blue seatbelt.
The Optiq-V features a darker colored pattern with Santorini Blue accent stitching, while V-Series badging is added on the steering wheel, sill plate, and floor mats.
2025 Cadillac Optiq trim
Starting Price (including destination)
Driving Range (EPA-estimated)
Luxury 1
$54,390
302 miles
Luxury 2
$56,590
302 miles
Sport 1
$54,990
302 miles
Sport 2
$57,090
302 miles
2025 Cadillac Optiq price and range by trim
Following the 2026 Lyriq-V, the Optiq is the second Cadillac EV to earn the V-series treatment. The Optiq is Cadillac’s new entry-level electric SUV, starting at $54,390 with 302 miles range.
The new 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V model starts at $68,795, including destination. It will be sold in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, and Israel, with production set to begin in Fall 2025.
Measuring 190″ long, 75″ wide, and 65″ tall, the standard Cadillac Optiq is about the same size as the Tesla Model Y (187″ long x 76″ wide x 64″ tall).
If you can’t wait for the V-Series model, Cadillac is offering some sweet deals on the entry-level Optiq right now with leases starting at just $409 per month. Ready to check it out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our link to find 2025 Cadillac Optiq models at the best price at a dealer near you.
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Forsyth, a former RAF pilot and investigative journalist turned novelist, was also known for his thrilling crime books The Fox, The Kill List and The Afghan.
He was born in Ashford, Kent, in 1938 and joined the Royal Air Force in 1956 before leaving after two years to pursue a career in journalism.
He covered international stories and the attempted assassination of French general Charles de Gaulle, which provided the inspiration for The Day Of The Jackal, which was published in 1971.
In 2000 he became the first high-profile British writer to agree to publish a book exclusively on the internet.
He revealed he had extensive involvement with MI6 in his 2015 memoir The Outsider: My Life In Intrigue.
His agent Jonathan Lloyd said: “We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers.
“Only a few weeks ago I sat with him as we watched a new and moving documentary of his life – In My Own Words, to be released later this year on BBC1 – and was reminded of an extraordinary life, well lived.
“After serving as one of the youngest ever RAF pilots, he turned to journalism, using his gift for languages in German, French and Russian to become a foreign correspondent in Biafra.
“Appalled at what he saw and using his experience during a stint as a secret service agent, he wrote his first and perhaps most famous novel, The Day Of The Jackal, and instantly became a global best-selling author.
“He went on to write more than 25 books (many of which were made into films) that have sold over 75 million copies.
“He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, all of us at Curtis Brown and of course his millions of fans around the world – though his books will of course live on forever.”